32036 Thoracostomy with flap drainage
Also known as: thoracostomy with flap drainage, flap dependent drainage
Surgical opening of the chest cavity (thoracostomy) with creation of a flap-based drainage approach, providing dependent drainage for chronic empyema or pleural space infection.
Clinical Context
Used for chronic empyema, bronchopleural fistula, or extensive pleural space infection requiring flap-based open drainage for prolonged healing.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 11.99 |
| Practice Expense RVU | 8.18 |
| Malpractice RVU | 3.02 |
| Total RVU | 23.19 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Specialties
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.